As I stare at the array of exquisite treats plated in front of me, the hunger that forms in the pit of my stomach becomes inevitable. Choosing won’t be easy, as each plate looks more delectable than the last. How can I choose just one? Alas, I know I have to, as buying every option is impossible for someone with only one meal swipe left for the day. I ponder for a moment longer, nose pressed against the cool glass that separates me from my dinner. I am like a lion hunting prey — prey enveloped in some sort of bread.
I walk to the front, fingertips twitching with anticipation. My mind is not made up, but I know my mouth will say something. It has to and I convince myself that I will be satisfied with whatever my mouth will order for me.
“One toasted ham and cheese on a croissant.” My voice doesn’t sound like my own. It is a foreign entity. The woman nods and takes my card.
And now, I wait.
I sit at the small square table, staring at the full plate in front of me. Steam gently drifts into the air, disappearing into the invisible atmosphere. I am reminded of Stephen King’s It. Yes, we all float here. My mouth waters and I know I can’t wait any longer.
I lift the top half of the croissant off of the cheesy ham, not caring that the heat burns the tips of my fingers. Even more steam floats into the atmosphere as the ham is released from the croissant bonds that once imprisoned it. I lick the butter and flakes off my fingers, not wanting to waste any of the product I paid for. My hand reaches for a packet and works to open the corner. Some would say it is despicable to put mayonnaise on something already so good, but I never said I was admirable when it came to condiments. I gently squeeze the mayo onto the ham before carefully putting the top back on. The mayonnaise oozes out of the sides and I regret my decision for a moment. No, my decisions are my own; they will not be the ones that would shame me.
I pick up the croissant and it crunches in my hand. I raise it towards my mouth, ready for the agonizing emptiness in my stomach to subside.
It is bliss.
Part 2: Another One Bites the Bread
